Thursday is prom night in Emporia — but this isn’t your ordinary prom. This is a multi-generational prom sponsored by the Emporia Senior Center and the Student Athletic Advisor Counsel at Emporia State University.
Susan Riley, director of the Emporia Senior Center, said this is the first year for the Senior Prom. She said the Senior Center was approached by the Student Athletic Advisory Counsel after the counsel had gone to a leadership event.
“We had talked about doing it for a long time,” Riley said. “Finances being what they are at the center, we didn’t do any extras.”
Riley said it cost $1,200 to put the Senior Prom on and music is being provided by a DJ. Normally, the Friday night dances at the Senior Center are done by a live band.
“To do the Big Band Era and step back in time, we needed a DJ,” Riley said.
Riley said the prom will be multi-generational and will include athletes from ESU and anybody 55 and older. Dress is Sunday best, Riley added.
“Of course, we know nobody has a prom dress hanging in their closet,” Riley said.